2 women found dead in Etobicoke home, police searching for relative
Two women have been found dead in an Etobicoke home and police are searching for a man related to the victims.
Toronto police were called to a home in the area of Sheldon Avenue and Silvercrest Avenue for a well-being check shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday, according to Det.-Sgt. Jason Davis of the police's homicide unit. A relative of the two women, not the accused, called police because the person was concerned for their safety, he added.
When officers arrived, they found two women, aged 82 and 60, injured in the home. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
"Unfortunately, those females were beyond help," Davis told reporters near the home.
Davis declined to comment on the nature of the injuries suffered by the women or when the injuries occurred.
Police say they are "actively" searching for Joseph Ayala, 33, who is wanted for second-degree murder. Davis declined to say if Ayala is known to police.
There was a large police presence on the street on Friday near the home where the two women were found dead. Some police remained on the scene Saturday. (Prasanjeet Choudhury/CBC)
Police have not identified the victims, but neighbours told CBC News Saturday that Ayala was the son of one woman and the grandson of the other. Neighbours said all three lived together in the house where the deceased were found.
It is not immediately clear if anyone else lived in the home.
Lynda Robinson, who visits her mother regularly at her house on the street, said Saturday she was shocked by the news.
"On this street, everybody knows everybody, everybody's there for everybody, you know, and it's just like, whoa, what happened? How'd this happen? Why'd it happen?" she said.
Police have not determined a motive for the deaths.
"At this point, it's very, very early on in the investigation," he said.
Davis said the homicide unit has taken over the investigation.
Suspect considered dangerous, police say
Ayala is described as 5 foot 11, with a shaved head. He is known to wear a cowboy hat, black cowboy boots and a cowboy-style jacket with tassels on the sleeve.
No cause of death has been released.
Police said he is considered dangerous. Anyone who sees him should not approach but call 911.
Susan Armstrong, who says she's lived on the street for over 50 years, said Saturday the neighbourhood is usually uneventful, but the deaths have left her shaken.
"We'll keep our doors locked. That's for sure," Armstrong said.
